Government of Kenya (GoK) - World Bank - DFID - Financial and Legal Sector Technical Assistance Project (FLSTAP) Jobs in Kenya

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Finance Vacancies

The Government of Kenya (GoK) in conjunction with the World Bank and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) is implementing a Financial and Legal Sector Technical Assistance Project (FLSTAP) whose overall development objective is to create a sound financial system and a strengthened legal framework and judicial capacity that will ensure broad access to financial and related legal services.

This objective will be achieved through the provision of technical expertise and building capacity to implement the Government’s financial sector and


legal sector related reforms.. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Finance invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following positions in the Project Implementation Unit (PIU):

1. Financial Management Specialist
 Main responsibilities:
  • Maintain efficient and effective financial management policies, systems and procedures for the FLSTAP in order to ensure that all project resources and finances are properly managed and controlled.
  • Set up an accounting system in accordance with GOK and International Accounting Standards that supports the Project’s requests for funding in a smooth, timely and predictable manner and meets its reporting obligations.
  • Prepare a detailed financial operations and accounting manual for the FLSTAP as described in the Project Appraisal Document (PAD) and ensure their implementation and compliance herewith.
  • Monitor disbursements of the credit, and prepare withdrawal applications, including required supporting documentation
  • Prepared projected cash flows and reports, budgets, and other financial reports on the Ensure that all books and financial reports are prepared accurately and audited in a timely manner and advise on corrective action as well as future prevention of any accounting, procurement, and financial management mistakes, errors or shortcomings.
  • Prepare monthly Government reporting returns, quarterly Financial Monitoring Reports and project financial statements to be presented to the Project Steering Committee for purposes of monitoring project implementation progress.
  • Perform any other duties as assigned by the Project Manager.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
  • Have at least a first degree in accounting or finance from a recognized University
  • Be a Certified Public Accountant or Chartered Accountant
  • A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience; experience in the public service and donor – funded projects is preferable.
  • Be proficient in advanced computer applications
  • Capacity to work under pressure and meet tight schedules under minimum supervision.
  • Good analytical, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills and able to work in a team.
2. Procurement Specialist
 Main Responsibilities:
  • Be responsible for carrying out procurement functions under the PIU on behalf of the Ministry of Finance (GOK) in accordance with the procedures specified in the Development Credit Agreement between the Republic of Kenya and the IDA and with IDA’s Guidelines for Procurement.
  • Prepare an overall procurement plan for all the goods and services to be purchased under the Project, specifying allocation of tasks and responsibilities at each stage of the procurement process and to update this procurement plan periodically as the may be required from time to time.
  • Ensure that procurement is done in accordance with the provisions of the Development Credit Agreement and with IDA’s Guidelines for Procurement.
  • Verify that all proposed purchases are eligible for financing under the Credit and confirm the appropriate method to procure goods and services for each contract.
  • Ascertain that budgetary allocations are appropriated to the respective end users and thus ensure timely and effective project implementation.
  • Assist implementing agencies in all aspects of procurement, including preparation of technical specifications for the goods and services, bidding documents, bid advertisements; assemble committees with the participation of representatives from the MOF and implementing agencies for the opening and evaluation of bids for purchase of goods and services, Expressions of Interest and Requests for Proposals, as well as contract negotiations and awards; and undertake procurement in close collaboration with the implementing agencies.
  • Ensure the timely execution of contracts for consultants’ services and the purchase of goods and equipment and supervise the implementation of contracts including pre-shipment inspections (including any test, if necessary), inland transportation, delivery, acceptance and storage.
  • Verify payments due under procurement contracts and help prepare applications for withdrawals from the Credit.
  • Prepare and submit quarterly and annual progress reports on status of procurement under the Project to the Project Manager for inclusion in the PIU’s project implementation progress reports.
  • Perform any other duties assigned by the Project Manager.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
  • A minimum of a first degree in relevant field. Relevant professional qualifications will be an added advantage.
  • A minimum of 8 years’ relevant experience; experience in the public service and donor – funded projects is preferable.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with the international commercial practices and the Procurement Guidelines of the World Bank.
  • Excellent analytical, report writing skills and must be computer literate.
  • Capacity to work under pressure and meet tight schedules under minimum supervision.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and able to work in a team.
3. Project Officer (Financial Sector) and Project Officer (Legal Sector)
 (2 Posts)
 Main responsibilities:
  • Assist in the preparation and implementation of work plans and the timely preparation of periodic progress reports.
  • Assist in coordinating and participate in meetings with implementing agencies, government officials, development partners and stakeholders to articulate and disseminate the Project objectives and implementation progress.
  • Assist in coordinating the training activities for the implementing agencies.
  • Contribute to the preparation of Terms of Reference, Requests for Proposals and contract documents for technical assistance to implementing agencies and the preparation of technical specifications for the procurement of goods and services.
  • Provide support in the technical assessment of bids for the supply of services and equipment and evaluation of proposals for consultancy services for the beneficiary agencies.
  • Work closely with the Procurement Specialist to ensure the timely execution of contracts.
  • Be responsible for contract management for consulting services and the purchase of goods and equipment; ensure the timely execution of contracts for consulting services and the purchase of goods and equipment and monitor timely delivery of contractual obligations by consultants and suppliers. In the case of contracts for consultancy services, monitor the timely delivery of reports, timely review and approval of reports by the implementing agencies and review and approval of invoices for payment.
  • Participate in the monitoring and evaluation activities of the Project and work closely with implementing agencies in reviewing the Project monitoring and evaluation framework for monitoring results in achieving project objectives.
  • Contribute to the preparation of presentation materials, newsletters and website contents for communication of Project objectives and implementation progress.
  • Perform any other duties assigned by the Project Manager.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
  • A minimum of a first degree in relevant field (e.g. economics, banking, finance, law, commerce, business administration). Relevant post-graduate qualifications will be an added advantage.
  • A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience; experience in the public service and donor – funded projects is preferable. Knowledge of financial sector and/or legal sector reform issues will be an added advantage.
  • Excellent analytical, report writing skills and must be computer literate.
  • Capacity to work under pressure and meet tight schedules under minimum supervision.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and able to work in a team.
4. Office Manager
 Main responsibilities:
  • Assist Project Manager to make and implement administrative decisions based on a broad understanding of relevant policies or operational requirements.
  • Supervise the work of support staff
  • Schedule use of vehicles, meeting room and office equipment.
  • Develop and maintain records management systems (manual and electronic) to ensure efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance and use of documents.
  • Maintain personnel files and records and staff leave roster.
  • Implement systems to ensure the physical security of office premises
  • Maintain and replenish the inventory of office supplies.
  • Ensure proper functioning of the computer network by taking regular back-up of files, recording problems and referring them to the firm(s) responsible for network maintenance.
  • Make sure that office equipment operates properly and that problems are quickly reported to the firm(s) responsible for its maintenance.
  • Liaise with suppliers of goods and services to the PIU and the Ministry of Finance.
  • Coordinate special projects and events, office activities, committee and staff meetings.
  • Draft reports on behalf of the Project professional staff and assist in editing of documents.
  • When required, assist the Procurement Specialist in the preparation of the procurement documents; making necessary follow up in the process for procurement of goods and services; follow up on payments due under procurement contracts and help prepare necessary documents for payment.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
  • Relevant qualifications in secretarial services (e.g. Diploma in Secretarial Services or Business Administration (minimum)).
  • Minimum four (4) years of experience, including one (1) as Office Manager, in a busy office in private of public sector; experience with donor-funded projects is an advantage.
  • Competency with Microsoft Office Applications and hands-on IT experience and basic IT troubleshooting skills.
  • Experience in personnel supervision.
  • Ability to work with a minimum of supervision, work under pressure and meet tight schedules.
  • Excellent organizational, communication and writing skills and ability to work in team.
Applications to be sent (include curriculum vitae with details of your qualifications, experience, day and evening telephone numbers, email address and names of three referees) so as to reach the undersigned on or before 8th April 2010.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Project Manager,
Project Implementation Unit
Financial and Legal Sector Technical Assistance Project
P.O Box 00100 – 34542
7th Floor, Anniversary Towers, North Tower
Plot No. 209/9744, University Way
Nairobi, Kenya.

Procurement Specialist
For: Financial Secretary